Page 116 of Kiss and Tell

I took his hand and guided him to the far end of the bar. His head turned every which way as he took in the people crowding around us. This place really was bustling.

Then he swung his head forward. He stopped.

I waited, holding my breath.

“Is that…” he trailed off.

“I thought maybe we could have live shows a few nights a week,” I said. “Not exactly a live music bar, but a place where you can go sometimes to catch a new act.”

Connor stayed silent.

“I know how painful it was for you to leave,” I started. “You miss it. Music is always going to be a part of you.” I took his hand and covered it with both of mine. “You never have to get up on stage yourself if you don’t want to, although I would love it if you did. I just don’t want you to lose that part of your life.”

Connor’s dark eyes turned glossy. He blinked a few times. When he turned to me, his expression was one of wonder, awe.

“Thank you,” he said quietly. There was heartache in his voice, but also a sense of healing. “I love it.” He brought my hands to his chest and placed a kiss on my knuckles. He met my gaze head on. “I love you.”

Tears stung the back of my eyes at his adoring look.

“I love you, too,” I told him.

We shared a smile, staring into each other’s eyes as the bustle of the bar swirled around us. The rest of the universe might not even have existed.

“What do you say we get out of here?” I asked.

“You mean leave now?” He brushed a strand of hair from my face. “You’ll miss the rest of the party. You’ve been looking forward to it for so long.”

I cupped his face in my hands and pressed a soft kiss to his lips.

“Worth it.”

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